Dr. Michael Katz (left), an anethesiologist, watches over a patient as the patient is sedated for a colonoscopy. Dr. Joseph Hacker performs the procedure at Gastroentrerology Associates, P.A.

Written by

GARY HABER
The News Journal

Aetna Inc., one of the largest insurers in Delaware, said today it will delay its plans to stop paying for the services of an anesthesiologist to sedate patients during many routine colonoscopies.

Aetna, which has about 95,000 subscribers in Delaware, had notified physicians in its coverage networks across the country that, as of April 1, it would limit coverage for an anesthesiologist's services to a smaller group of patients, including those at risk for complications, women who are pregnant, patients younger than 18 and those 65 and older.